The William C. Bee House

The William C. Bee House. 122 Tradd Street. , William Cattell Bee (1809-1881) was son of John S. Bee and Charlotte Ladson, both of whom died when he was fourteen years old. Following their deaths, Bee partnered with his uncle J. H. Ladson in the successful rice exportation business, Ladson and Co. After some years as a successful factor, he built his stately three-and-a-half-story single house., The dwelling is constructed of brick laid in Flemish bond and is one of the few in Charleston built on land elevated enough to have a basement. Jack arches above the windows, dentils adorning the fascia between the first and second levels of the piazza, a dogtooth brick cornice, a gable parapet, and a tripartite window all give the impression of modest embellishment without ostentation. The Italianate screen and console bracketed hood are alterations postdating original construction., While residing at this house, Bee's enterprising spirit was evident in a variety of endeavors. Ladson and Co. became William C. Bee and Co. after his uncle retired. To many Charlestonians, William C. Bee and Co. was known simply as the "Bee Store." During the Civil War, which claimed the lives of his two sons, Bee started The Importing and Exporting Company of South Carolina, the foremost blockade running operation in Charleston. It was one of the five companies engaged in the perilous business of ferrying goods in and out of the city while evading capture by the Federal blockade. After the war, Bee instigated the development of Charleston's phosphate industry and was involved in numerous civic undertakings., Aside from William C. Bee, other luminaries have been associated with the property. In the early 20th century, the house was the residence of Governor, and later U.S. Senator, Burnet R. Maybank. President Lyndon B. Johnson, in addition to President and Mrs. Bill Clinton, have been entertained here as guests.